ARROW uBITX Group Purchase: Difference between revisions

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Things related to the uBITX radio group purchase made by a number of ARROW members.
Things related to the uBITX radio group purchase made by a number of ARROW members.


Mailing list for all BITX radios: https://groups.io/g/BITX20
[https://groups.io/g/BITX20 Mailing list for all BITx radios]


Huge resource page by ZL1AXG: http://ubitx.net/
[http://ubitx.net/ Huge resource page by ZL1AXG]


Map of BITx users: http://bitxmap.com
[http://bitxmap.com Map of BITx users]
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'''Problems, Issues and Glitches''' - significant issues reported by builders
'''Problems, Issues and Glitches''' - significant issues reported by builders
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'''Recommended Mods'''
'''Recommended Mods'''
* KD8CEC software
* [http://www.hamskey.com/ KD8CEC software]
** http://www.hamskey.com/
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'''Advanced Mods'''
'''Advanced Mods'''
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***... Full range integrated Passband (front end through audio section)...Benefit: True AGC on all levels, no overload or distortion of any stage. AGC signal for "s" meter (can be calibrated to real signal strength by reference).Bad: Very complicated, impacts every RF/IF/Audio stage. Lots of mods and parts.Comment: A CW ops dream.
***... Full range integrated Passband (front end through audio section)...Benefit: True AGC on all levels, no overload or distortion of any stage. AGC signal for "s" meter (can be calibrated to real signal strength by reference).Bad: Very complicated, impacts every RF/IF/Audio stage. Lots of mods and parts.Comment: A CW ops dream.
* KD2NDR port to Teensy  
* KD2NDR port to Teensy  
* [https://vk4pln.blogspot.com.au/2018/03/ubitx-am-bci-filter-35mhz-high-pass_31.html VK4PLN AM broadcast filter (3.5 MHz high-pass filter)]
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'''Enclosure Ideas'''
'''Enclosure Ideas'''
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'''ARROW Rig Showcase'''
'''ARROW Rig Showcase'''

Revision as of 13:24, 1 April 2018

Things related to the uBITX radio group purchase made by a number of ARROW members.

Mailing list for all BITx radios

Huge resource page by ZL1AXG

Map of BITx users


Problems, Issues and Glitches - significant issues reported by builders

  • TDA2822 stereo amplifier high failure rate
    • Reported on the mailing list, Some ideas discussed there:
      • Replace with 8-pin socket and NJM2073D
      • LM386 + adaptor
      • Voltage regulator + capacitor (Ron's solution ... see mailing list archives)
    • <link(s) to best discussion(s), fix(es), etc(es)>
  • Power output differences across bands

Building Hints and Tips


Operating Hints, Tips and Warnings

  • DO NOT insert a mono plug into the stereo audio jack -- this shorts the output of the audio amp and will likely blow it up

Recommended Mods


Advanced Mods

  • AGC circuit
    • VK2ETA simple software AGC mod (see mailing list)
    • K9HZ summary of options
      • ... audio range passband...Benefit: saves your ears, $0.02 diode, trivially easy to implement.Bad: only protects your ears... not RF sections from excessive signal and overload. Not a true AGC signal for "s" meter, only an audio strength.Comment: Save the $0.02 diode, turn the damn volume down and live with the IF overload.
      • ... IF range passband...Benefit: Saves ears, prevents IF overload, AGC signal for "s" meter (can be calibrated to real signal strength by reference).Bad: More complicated/ more parts, RF level attenuator and AGC response, more expensive than the $0.02 diode,Comment: can be triggered by anything in the passband and that can be good and bad.
      • ... Full range integrated Passband (front end through audio section)...Benefit: True AGC on all levels, no overload or distortion of any stage. AGC signal for "s" meter (can be calibrated to real signal strength by reference).Bad: Very complicated, impacts every RF/IF/Audio stage. Lots of mods and parts.Comment: A CW ops dream.
  • KD2NDR port to Teensy
  • VK4PLN AM broadcast filter (3.5 MHz high-pass filter)

Enclosure Ideas


ARROW Rig Showcase